A MAJOR drugs network responsible for flooding the UK with cocaine has been dismantled with two Wiltshire men jailed for a combined 21 years.

Police said the operation, involving large-scale drug supply and money laundering, was uncovered following a complex investigation by its Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

Charlie Savage, 27, formerly of Standerwick near Frome, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Swindon Crown Court yesterday (March 26).

Police say he headed up an organised crime group responsible for distributing more than 188kg of cocaine.

Co-defendant Shay Girvan, 22, formerly of Station Road, Warminster, was jailed for nine years for his role in moving cocaine, cannabis and large amounts of cash around the country.

Savage’s operation began to unravel when he was arrested in Knightsbridge, London, on April 28, 2025, carrying a rucksack containing more than £65,000 in cash.

Detectives say detailed records uncovered during the arrest proved crucial in exposing the scale of the network.

Det Cons Jared Yalden said: “Savage was operating at a level above what we would expect for someone of his age, however with this youth came a degree of naivety.

“Unfortunately for him and his criminal associates, moving cocaine and cannabis in such significant quantities required detailed record keeping to stay on top of the accounts.

“This meant we were able to access Savage’s records when he was arrested and as a result of his diligence, have to date arrested over 30 of his customers, couriers, money launderers, and suppliers for their involvement in the operation.

“The majority have been released on bail whilst the complex nature of the investigation is assessed by the Crown Prosecution Service.

“Girvan was a trusted lieutenant, heavily involved in the movement of large quantities of cocaine, cannabis and cash, and his jail sentence reflects his position within the group and the role he played.”

Police say both men will now face proceeds of crime proceedings, with assets set to be seized in the coming months.

Savage will also be subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order upon release.

Deputy senior investigating officer Det Sgt Richard Nelsen added: “We continue to rely on our communities to identify and alert us to those who live beyond their means and engage in criminality which directly affects those around them. We will deal robustly with those who break the law.”